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What is Yoga?
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Yoga is a science of body and mind which comprises a wide range of exercises and techniques. It has its origins in the East although it has been very much accepted and applied, in both pure and adapted forms, in the West. It is a thoroughly practical system which can profoundly help people in both everyday living and in exploring life’s deeper aspects. The techniques used include physical postures, meditative and breathing practices and deep relaxation. In its most diluted form, it has been presented and enjoyed as a fitness regime, successfully promoting health and physical well being. In its most profound form, it can awaken in people true wisdom, joy and compassion.
Yoga is becoming widely accepted and popular because of its relevance to the problems of modern man and society. The benefits of practising Yoga are numerous. It can alleviate various types of diseases so prevalent today, for example, high blood pressure, respiratory problems, diabetes, digestive problems, back problems, depression and migraine. It can play a valuable part in stress management and in improving one’s capacity to work and to relate to others effectively.
Looking a little more deeply at its practices and aims, a truly wonderful system for inner exploration and personal evolution can be seen. The word Yoga means "to yoke" or "to unite". Using the principles it has to offer, an individual can begin to balance all aspects of his or her Being - physical, emotional, mental and spiritual - all necessary ingredients for enriched, harmonious living.
We are entering a new Age with much knowledge surfacing. In fact Yoga encompasses many of these new techniques and it has been around in its various forms for thousands of years. It is a "No Age" system of great validity, offering each individual the opportunity for an improved quality of life.
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Sahasrara is located at the crown of the head. It is not actually a chakra but is the culmination of progressive ascension through different chakras. It is the crown of expanded awareness.
For more details on the Sahasrara refer to the article 'The Chakras - Keys to a quantum leap in human evolution'
Agya chakra is located behind the eyebrow centre. It is also known as the third eye - the eye of wisdom and intuition. It is the doorway through which the individual enters the astral and psychic dimension of consciousness.
For more details on the Agya Chakra refer to the article 'The Chakras - Keys to a quantum leap in human evolution'
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Today distrust is rampant all over, with families and nations facing civil wars; and yet man is simultaneously launching a new search in quest of himself. If I were asked now for a way to earthly harmony, I would have to say: ‘Carry the message of Yoga from shore to shore and from door to door.’
Swami Satyananda Saraswati |
Asanas
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Yoga practices begin with the outermost aspect of the personality - the physical body. Asanas help to keep the body healthy by removing tensions and massaging the internal organs, thereby improving their function and giving greater flexibility to the spine, muscles and joints. For futher information, see the book section. |
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Pranayama
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"Renouncing is not giving up things of the world, but accepting that they go away". Dr. Susuki, Zen master
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Breathing techniques are important not only for supplying the body with fresh oxygen and strengthening the lungs, but they also have a direct effect on the brain and emotions, balancing the nervous system and putting us in touch with more subtle energies and aspects of our being. |
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Relaxation and Meditation |
Vishuddhi chakra is located in the throat area. It is known as the "purification centre" in which the harmonising of all opposites takes place. Vishuddhi represents a state of openness, a flowing with life, allowing things to happen in the way that they must.
For more details on the Vishuddhi Chakra refer to the article 'The Chakras - Keys to a quantum leap in human evolution'
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Yoga Nidra is a useful and powerful practice in which one learns to relax, consciously releasing both physical and mental tensions. It is a state of inner awareness and contact with the subconscious and higher consciousness. The practice can be used in self-healing, for increasing one's creativity or to transform one's nature. For futher information, see the book section.
Antar Mouna is a basic practice of meditation. One becomes aware of the inner workings and noises of the mind. One learns to witness thoughts and emotions in a way that allows one to accept them. Thus the thought activity is calmed and quietened, bringing the experience of inner silence.
Ajapa Japa is another form of meditation - through constant repetition of a mantra the mind is relieved of all tensions, which in turn removes the root cause of most physical and mental ailments.
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Cleansing |
Anahata (Heart) Chakra is the centre of compassion which awakens through yoga. This logo is the chosen symbol for Mandala Yoga Ashram as we feel it to be the most important quality needed in the present era.
For more details on the Anahata Chakra refer to the article 'The Chakras - Keys to a quantum leap in human evolution'
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Neti is a practice for cleaning the nostrils with warm saline solution keeps the nose healthy and helps against colds, hay fever, sinusitis, dust and pollution.
Click here to open a new browser window with more details on the technique.
Shankhaprakshalana is a technique to clean the whole digestive tract from mouth to rectum. It is usually done twice a year, in the spring and autumn, leaving the system light and free from any impurities. A special diet must be followed for a while to maintain the harmony in the body.
Click here to open a new browser window with more details on the technique.
Please note: These practices should be learned under the direction of a qualified yoga teacher
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Purpose and aims 
Formation of the ashram
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